Scheduling – Key Terms 1. Hammocking Two strong programmes with large audience figures are scheduled either side of a weak programme. This keeps audiences viewing in between the two strong programmes, boosting viewing figures for the weak programme.
2. Tentpole A popular programme is scheduled with less-popular programmes either side to try to attract audiences to catch part of the less popular programmes and thus build up future audiences.
3. Stacking/ Blocking Grouping similar programmes together to keep the audience watching from one programme to the next. Similar programmes are scheduled back-to-back (in a block)
4. Bridging Audiences change channels between programmes. This technique tries to keep them watching your channel by starting a programme at a different time to other channels so that it bridges across and keeps people viewing your channel.
5. Inheritance Where a less-popular programme is scheduled immediately after a popular programme to try to catch some of the audience.
6. Pre-echo Where a less-popular programme is scheduled immediately before a popular programme to try to catch some of the audience.
7. Counter-programming When a programme is scheduled whose appeal is different from the opponent program on another channel. It may be a different genre or appeals to a different demographic
8. Watershed A time before which broadcasters can not show certain content (violence; strong language; nudity; horror, etc). After 9pm, programmes can show 15 certificate content. After 10pm, 18 certificate content can be shown.
9. Prime Time 7-10pm 10. Late slot 10pm-12